Central Hawkes Bay District, Waipukurau

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Win a brand new home!

For just $15, you could win a fully furnished home in Clarks Beach, Auckland worth over $1 million. Buy your tickets today!

2882 days ago

Back at work? Make a plan

The Team from Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

If you're back in the office today, we hope you're not struggling too much. Do you know how you'll get home if there's no transport or who will get the kids if you can't get to them? Work through our Personal Workplace Emergency Plan and decide what you will do.
View more
If you're back in the office today, we hope you're not struggling too much. Do you know how you'll get home if there's no transport or who will get the kids if you can't get to them? Work through our Personal Workplace Emergency Plan and decide what you will do.
getthru.govt.nz...
Visit www.happens.nz... for more hints and tips.

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2882 days ago

Porirua Harbour Update:

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Good news swimmers! Follow up testing at the Rowing Club, Porirua Harbour, shows bacterial counts are now very low. We still recommend you follow the standard advice not to swim for at least 48 hours after rain, and to check out our interactive water quality map bit.ly... for the latest water … View moreGood news swimmers! Follow up testing at the Rowing Club, Porirua Harbour, shows bacterial counts are now very low. We still recommend you follow the standard advice not to swim for at least 48 hours after rain, and to check out our interactive water quality map bit.ly... for the latest water quality results

2885 days ago

Toxic Algae

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Ongoing monitoring of toxic algae in the Waipoua River at Colombo Road has confirmed that toxic algae cover is currently low, meaning the warning that has been place since before Christmas has been removed.

There is still a lot of algae in the river at this site, but the composition has … View more
Ongoing monitoring of toxic algae in the Waipoua River at Colombo Road has confirmed that toxic algae cover is currently low, meaning the warning that has been place since before Christmas has been removed.

There is still a lot of algae in the river at this site, but the composition has changed. Most of the algae is a species of diatom – slimy but harmless. The close-up below shows a rock that is mostly covered by the diatom species – it’s yellowy/green and bumpy in appearance. You can also see a couple of patches of Phormidium or toxic algae. In the other picture you can clearly see small patches of toxic algae (the dark brown/black patches) amongst large patches of diatom growth.

It’s safe to use the river, but please remain cautious if you are taking your dog down there and make sure they don’t eat anything suspicious (even a small amount of toxic algae can be lethal if they eat it).

On the western side of the region, there is a water quality warning in place for Porirua Harbour at the Rowing Club. The latest sample recorded high bacterial counts which means the site is currently unsafe for swimming. This may have been due to recent rain in the area – rainfall flushes contaminants from land into waterways and we advise you not to swim for at least two days after rainfall, even if a site generally has good water quality.

Don't forget to keep up-to-date with the latest water quality warnings by visiting our interactive water quality map at bit.ly...

2893 days ago

Don't miss your chance to win!

Roadshow Films

Looking for something to do in the holidays? Why not check out RED DOG: True Blue!

When eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather's cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship. Instead he finds myth, … View more
Looking for something to do in the holidays? Why not check out RED DOG: True Blue!

When eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather's cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship. Instead he finds myth, adventure and friendship with a scrappy, one-of-a-kind dog that will change his life forever. RED DOG: True Blue is a story of friendship, loyalty and acceptance and is perfect for families and dog lovers of all ages. Want to win a double pass?

Simply like or thank this post before 9 January for your chance to WIN one of ten double passes to RED DOG: True Blue.
Watch the trailer

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2901 days ago

Christmas Connections

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbours and older relatives, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. … View more
If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbours and older relatives, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

We will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season.

5. Look out for them
Look out for your neighbours this holiday season. Be mindful that Christmas can be a tough time for some older people, especially those who live alone. Small gestures of kindness can make this time much easier for older people who may be lonely.

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2901 days ago

Christmas Connections

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbours and older relatives, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. … View more
If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbours and older relatives, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

We will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season.

5. Look out for them
Look out for your neighbours this holiday season. Be mindful that Christmas can be a tough time for some older people, especially those who live alone. Small gestures of kindness can make this time much easier for older people who may be lonely.

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2901 days ago

Get decorating and $ave the GST!

Resene

Hi neighbours! Summer is here and it’s a great time to get decorating. Right now you can save the GST on Resene premium paints, stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at your local Resene ColorShop or participating reseller. Plus if you have a Resene … View moreHi neighbours! Summer is here and it’s a great time to get decorating. Right now you can save the GST on Resene premium paints, stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at your local Resene ColorShop or participating reseller. Plus if you have a Resene ColorShop Card or Resene DIY Card, you can enjoy extra savings on a range of products. It's our Christmas gift to you! Offer runs until 31 January 2017. Learn more

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2902 days ago

Win one of 10 double passes to the ultimate family movie!

Roadshow Films

When eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather's cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship. Instead he finds myth, adventure and friendship with a scrappy, one-of-a-kind dog that will change his life forever. … View moreWhen eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather's cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship. Instead he finds myth, adventure and friendship with a scrappy, one-of-a-kind dog that will change his life forever. RED DOG: True Blue is a story of friendship, loyalty and acceptance and is perfect for families and dog lovers of all ages. Want to win a double pass?

Simply like or thank this post before 9 January for your chance to WIN one of ten double passes to RED DOG: True Blue.
Watch the trailer

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2903 days ago

Poll: What's the best thing to do to protect your house at Christmas?

Sarah Moore from Neighbourly.co.nz

If you're planning on heading away over the Christmas period, there are a few things you can do to make sure you're protecting your home. Which step do you think is the most important?

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What's the best thing to do to protect your house at Christmas?
  • 8.3% Tell a neighbour you're heading away
    8.3% Complete
  • 0.1% Set up security lights
    0.1% Complete
  • 1.7% Ask someone to collect your mail
    1.7% Complete
  • 5.4% Make sure all doors / windows are locked (including the garage!)
    5.4% Complete
  • 0.3% Unplug electronics
    0.3% Complete
  • 4.9% Create the illusion of someone being home
    4.9% Complete
  • 1% Alert your alarm company and set your alarms
    1% Complete
  • 76.8% All of the above
    76.8% Complete
  • 1.5% Something else
    1.5% Complete
1624 votes
2904 days ago

Christmas Connections

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

If you haven’t already made contact with your older relatives or neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. … View more
If you haven’t already made contact with your older relatives or neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

We will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect with your older people this Holiday Season.

4. Pop over with a jar of jam or pickles or your favourite recipe.
This will give you a good opportunity to have a chat. Maybe you will learn something about your neighbour that you don’t already know. This social connection can be a great chance to explore traditions and share memories.

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2904 days ago

Christmas Connections

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

If you haven’t already made contact with your older relatives or neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. … View more
If you haven’t already made contact with your older relatives or neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

We will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect with your older people this Holiday Season.

4. Pop over with a jar of jam or pickles or your favourite recipe.
This will give you a good opportunity to have a chat. Maybe you will learn something about your neighbour that you don’t already know. This social connection can be a great chance to explore traditions and share memories.

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2906 days ago

Where will you go?

The Team from Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

Do you know where to go if a tsunami happens when you are at home, work, school or anywhere else?

Contact your local Civil Defence group to find tsunami zone maps for your area and plan your route today. www.civildefence.govt.nz...
If you are near the coast, remember LONG OR STRONG: GET GONE
View more
Do you know where to go if a tsunami happens when you are at home, work, school or anywhere else?

Contact your local Civil Defence group to find tsunami zone maps for your area and plan your route today. www.civildefence.govt.nz...
If you are near the coast, remember LONG OR STRONG: GET GONE
If you feel an earthquake that lasts for more than a minute or makes it hard to stand up, don’t wait for an official tsunami warning. Move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can. Walk or bike if you can. Stay there until you get the all clear.

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2907 days ago

Activate

Rachel Roberts from Inspiring Communities

Inspiring Communities is running a very cool two day event in Auckland in April. it's for everyone working in, with or alongside neighbourhoods and communities. We are taking buses to the four corners of Auckland to see first hand how communities are to see first-hand how community-led … View moreInspiring Communities is running a very cool two day event in Auckland in April. it's for everyone working in, with or alongside neighbourhoods and communities. We are taking buses to the four corners of Auckland to see first hand how communities are to see first-hand how community-led development is happening across the city. Local hosts will introduce participants to projects, approaches, relationships and success factors that grow resilience, that is driven by and works for local people. And then we will take what we learn into a second day of interactive workshops. Activate is the first of its kind in New Zealand - it's going to be great - click on our link for all the details.

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2911 days ago

Connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season - Tip 2

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people… View more
If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

We will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season.

2. Pop over with a hand-made card from a child
A little note to say Happy Holidays can make the world of difference to an older neighbour. Have your son or daughter make up a card or get your crafty hat on and make one yourself. It’s a great excuse to pop over and have a nice chat.

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2908 days ago

Make time to call the older people you know this Christmas.

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think … View moreSometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

Age Concern New Zealand will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect this Holiday Season.

3. Ring your older family members and friends to wish them happy holidays. Something as simple as a phone call can have positive benefits that go both ways. Connection with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about.

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